The Best Body Lotions with SPF We’ve Tried for Year-Round Protection (Yes, You Need It)

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Amazon (3)

People / Amazon (3)

You shouldn’t wait for a day at the beach to apply sunscreen. Your skin’s health relies on you using sunscreen daily, year-round. But ifslathering sunscreenfrom head to toe sounds like an unwelcome addition to your morning routine, there’s a simpler solution: body lotion with SPF.Benefits of Body Lotion with SPF“Body lotions with SPF can be a great way to help ensure sun protection on an everyday basis — applying these lotions as part of your daily routine will help guarantee that your skin is protected during regular daily activities.”—Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologistLikeface sunscreen, you’ll need to reapply throughout the day if you’re spending more than two hours outside. Still, Dr. King says body lotion with SPF can be a great choice for everyday protection, supplemented with a dedicated SPF when needed.We tested out body lotions with SPF and recommend these three for daily protection.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to ReviewBest Scent:SALESun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion at Amazon$24$20Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Skin:Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon$23Jump to Review

You shouldn’t wait for a day at the beach to apply sunscreen. Your skin’s health relies on you using sunscreen daily, year-round. But ifslathering sunscreenfrom head to toe sounds like an unwelcome addition to your morning routine, there’s a simpler solution: body lotion with SPF.

Benefits of Body Lotion with SPF“Body lotions with SPF can be a great way to help ensure sun protection on an everyday basis — applying these lotions as part of your daily routine will help guarantee that your skin is protected during regular daily activities.”—Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologist

Benefits of Body Lotion with SPF

“Body lotions with SPF can be a great way to help ensure sun protection on an everyday basis — applying these lotions as part of your daily routine will help guarantee that your skin is protected during regular daily activities.”—Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologist

Likeface sunscreen, you’ll need to reapply throughout the day if you’re spending more than two hours outside. Still, Dr. King says body lotion with SPF can be a great choice for everyday protection, supplemented with a dedicated SPF when needed.

We tested out body lotions with SPF and recommend these three for daily protection.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to ReviewBest Scent:SALESun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion at Amazon$24$20Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Skin:Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon$23Jump to Review

Best Overall:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to ReviewBest Scent:SALESun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion at Amazon$24$20Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Skin:Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon$23Jump to Review

Best Overall:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28Jump to Review

Best Overall:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon$28

Best Overall:

Best Scent:SALESun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion at Amazon$24$20Jump to Review

Best Scent:SALESun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion at Amazon$24$20

Best Scent:

SALE

Best for Dry Skin:Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon$23Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon$23

Best for Dry Skin:

Best OverallAveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body LotionPHOTO: Amazon$28 at AmazonView on Fsastore.comView on Hsastore.comStar QualitiesHigher SPF than other lotions we testedNon-greasy, hydrating, and leaves skin with a healthy glowWorks well on both the face and bodyWater resistant for 80 minutesRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!The Aveeno sunscreen lotion provides the best sun protection of the lotions we’ve tested. With SPF 60, it’s sure to ward off sun damage and dark spots (just don’t forget to reapply after two hours of sun exposure). We loved the way our skin looked and felt after using this lotion. It felt hydrating and gave us a healthy glow from head to toe.If you hate the feeling of greasy lotions and sunscreens, don’t fret: You won’t have that problem with this lotion. We were so impressed with the finish that we could even use it on our face with no problem, layering makeup over with seamless results. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so you can take a dip in the pool, as long as you reapply once you towel off.Size:12 ounces|SPF:60 |Scent:Unscented |Water-Resistant:YesPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiShould You Wear Sunscreen Year-Round?Yes! Dr. King tells PEOPLE that the recommended application is 2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin — no matter the season! That means most people only apply 25–50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When in doubt, apply more than you think.Best ScentSun Bum Daily 50 Body LotionPHOTO: Amazon$24$20 at Amazon$24 at Target$24 at UltaStar QualitiesSPF 50 provides plenty of protectionWe love the coconut scentThick consistency absorbs quickly, leaving skin nourished and non-greasyWater-resistant for 80 minutesRed FlagsScent might bother those with sensitive nosesIf you love a luxurious-smelling lotion, the Sun Bum moisturizer fits the bill. The tropical coconut scent will transport you to summertime no matter the season. Its thick consistency left our skin feeling super hydrated, though it absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy at all. We also love that it’s water-resistant, so we feel safe using this for any and all warm-weather activities.Size:8 ounces|SPF:50 |Scent:Coconut |Water-Resistant:YesPHOTO: People / Kathleen TenefranciaPHOTO: People / Kathleen TenefranciaBest for Dry SkinVaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30PHOTO: Amazon$23 at AmazonStar QualitiesAbsorbs easily, leaving skin silky smoothProvides all-day hydration, even on dry skinConvenient pump bottleRed FlagsSweet, floral scent might bother someNot water-resistantWe were surprised at how hydrated our skin felt after using the Vaseline lotion. Our tester with dry skin found this moisturizer left their skin smooth and hydrated. Things that would normally dry out their skin (like sweating, travel, and stress) were no match for this lotion.It felt refreshing when applied to the skin and absorbed easily, so it was easy to reach for the lotion daily. It has a sweet, floral scent that we didn’t love (so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, we recommend theAveeno lotioninstead). While it has a lower SPF than our other favorites, it still provides enough sun protection for everyday activities.Size:13.5 ounces|SPF:30 |Scent:Sweet, floral |Water-Resistant:NoPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderHow Much SPF Is Enough?Dermatologists we interviewed recommend using lotions withat leastSPF 30–50. The more time you spend outside, the higher SPF you should wear.

Best OverallAveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body LotionPHOTO: Amazon$28 at AmazonView on Fsastore.comView on Hsastore.comStar QualitiesHigher SPF than other lotions we testedNon-greasy, hydrating, and leaves skin with a healthy glowWorks well on both the face and bodyWater resistant for 80 minutesRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!The Aveeno sunscreen lotion provides the best sun protection of the lotions we’ve tested. With SPF 60, it’s sure to ward off sun damage and dark spots (just don’t forget to reapply after two hours of sun exposure). We loved the way our skin looked and felt after using this lotion. It felt hydrating and gave us a healthy glow from head to toe.If you hate the feeling of greasy lotions and sunscreens, don’t fret: You won’t have that problem with this lotion. We were so impressed with the finish that we could even use it on our face with no problem, layering makeup over with seamless results. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so you can take a dip in the pool, as long as you reapply once you towel off.Size:12 ounces|SPF:60 |Scent:Unscented |Water-Resistant:YesPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiShould You Wear Sunscreen Year-Round?Yes! Dr. King tells PEOPLE that the recommended application is 2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin — no matter the season! That means most people only apply 25–50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When in doubt, apply more than you think.

Best OverallAveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body LotionPHOTO: Amazon$28 at AmazonView on Fsastore.comView on Hsastore.com

Best OverallAveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion

Best Overall

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

$28 at AmazonView on Fsastore.comView on Hsastore.com

Star QualitiesHigher SPF than other lotions we testedNon-greasy, hydrating, and leaves skin with a healthy glowWorks well on both the face and bodyWater resistant for 80 minutesRed FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

Star QualitiesHigher SPF than other lotions we testedNon-greasy, hydrating, and leaves skin with a healthy glowWorks well on both the face and bodyWater resistant for 80 minutes

Higher SPF than other lotions we tested

Non-greasy, hydrating, and leaves skin with a healthy glow

Works well on both the face and body

Water resistant for 80 minutes

Red FlagsWe couldn’t find any!

We couldn’t find any!

The Aveeno sunscreen lotion provides the best sun protection of the lotions we’ve tested. With SPF 60, it’s sure to ward off sun damage and dark spots (just don’t forget to reapply after two hours of sun exposure). We loved the way our skin looked and felt after using this lotion. It felt hydrating and gave us a healthy glow from head to toe.

If you hate the feeling of greasy lotions and sunscreens, don’t fret: You won’t have that problem with this lotion. We were so impressed with the finish that we could even use it on our face with no problem, layering makeup over with seamless results. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so you can take a dip in the pool, as long as you reapply once you towel off.

Size:12 ounces|SPF:60 |Scent:Unscented |Water-Resistant:Yes

PHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon BudhaiPHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai

Should You Wear Sunscreen Year-Round?Yes! Dr. King tells PEOPLE that the recommended application is 2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin — no matter the season! That means most people only apply 25–50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When in doubt, apply more than you think.

Should You Wear Sunscreen Year-Round?

Yes! Dr. King tells PEOPLE that the recommended application is 2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin — no matter the season! That means most people only apply 25–50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When in doubt, apply more than you think.

Best ScentSun Bum Daily 50 Body LotionPHOTO: Amazon$24$20 at Amazon$24 at Target$24 at UltaStar QualitiesSPF 50 provides plenty of protectionWe love the coconut scentThick consistency absorbs quickly, leaving skin nourished and non-greasyWater-resistant for 80 minutesRed FlagsScent might bother those with sensitive nosesIf you love a luxurious-smelling lotion, the Sun Bum moisturizer fits the bill. The tropical coconut scent will transport you to summertime no matter the season. Its thick consistency left our skin feeling super hydrated, though it absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy at all. We also love that it’s water-resistant, so we feel safe using this for any and all warm-weather activities.Size:8 ounces|SPF:50 |Scent:Coconut |Water-Resistant:YesPHOTO: People / Kathleen TenefranciaPHOTO: People / Kathleen Tenefrancia

Best ScentSun Bum Daily 50 Body LotionPHOTO: Amazon$24$20 at Amazon$24 at Target$24 at Ulta

Best ScentSun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion

Best Scent

Sun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion

$24$20 at Amazon$24 at Target$24 at Ulta

Star QualitiesSPF 50 provides plenty of protectionWe love the coconut scentThick consistency absorbs quickly, leaving skin nourished and non-greasyWater-resistant for 80 minutesRed FlagsScent might bother those with sensitive noses

Star QualitiesSPF 50 provides plenty of protectionWe love the coconut scentThick consistency absorbs quickly, leaving skin nourished and non-greasyWater-resistant for 80 minutes

SPF 50 provides plenty of protection

We love the coconut scent

Thick consistency absorbs quickly, leaving skin nourished and non-greasy

Water-resistant for 80 minutes

Red FlagsScent might bother those with sensitive noses

Scent might bother those with sensitive noses

If you love a luxurious-smelling lotion, the Sun Bum moisturizer fits the bill. The tropical coconut scent will transport you to summertime no matter the season. Its thick consistency left our skin feeling super hydrated, though it absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy at all. We also love that it’s water-resistant, so we feel safe using this for any and all warm-weather activities.

Size:8 ounces|SPF:50 |Scent:Coconut |Water-Resistant:Yes

PHOTO: People / Kathleen TenefranciaPHOTO: People / Kathleen Tenefrancia

Best for Dry SkinVaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30PHOTO: Amazon$23 at AmazonStar QualitiesAbsorbs easily, leaving skin silky smoothProvides all-day hydration, even on dry skinConvenient pump bottleRed FlagsSweet, floral scent might bother someNot water-resistantWe were surprised at how hydrated our skin felt after using the Vaseline lotion. Our tester with dry skin found this moisturizer left their skin smooth and hydrated. Things that would normally dry out their skin (like sweating, travel, and stress) were no match for this lotion.It felt refreshing when applied to the skin and absorbed easily, so it was easy to reach for the lotion daily. It has a sweet, floral scent that we didn’t love (so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, we recommend theAveeno lotioninstead). While it has a lower SPF than our other favorites, it still provides enough sun protection for everyday activities.Size:13.5 ounces|SPF:30 |Scent:Sweet, floral |Water-Resistant:NoPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderHow Much SPF Is Enough?Dermatologists we interviewed recommend using lotions withat leastSPF 30–50. The more time you spend outside, the higher SPF you should wear.

Best for Dry SkinVaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30PHOTO: Amazon$23 at Amazon

Best for Dry SkinVaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30

Best for Dry Skin

Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30

$23 at Amazon

Star QualitiesAbsorbs easily, leaving skin silky smoothProvides all-day hydration, even on dry skinConvenient pump bottleRed FlagsSweet, floral scent might bother someNot water-resistant

Star QualitiesAbsorbs easily, leaving skin silky smoothProvides all-day hydration, even on dry skinConvenient pump bottle

Absorbs easily, leaving skin silky smooth

Provides all-day hydration, even on dry skin

Convenient pump bottle

Red FlagsSweet, floral scent might bother someNot water-resistant

Sweet, floral scent might bother some

Not water-resistant

We were surprised at how hydrated our skin felt after using the Vaseline lotion. Our tester with dry skin found this moisturizer left their skin smooth and hydrated. Things that would normally dry out their skin (like sweating, travel, and stress) were no match for this lotion.

It felt refreshing when applied to the skin and absorbed easily, so it was easy to reach for the lotion daily. It has a sweet, floral scent that we didn’t love (so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, we recommend theAveeno lotioninstead). While it has a lower SPF than our other favorites, it still provides enough sun protection for everyday activities.

Size:13.5 ounces|SPF:30 |Scent:Sweet, floral |Water-Resistant:No

PHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli Bender

How Much SPF Is Enough?Dermatologists we interviewed recommend using lotions withat leastSPF 30–50. The more time you spend outside, the higher SPF you should wear.

How Much SPF Is Enough?

Dermatologists we interviewed recommend using lotions withat leastSPF 30–50. The more time you spend outside, the higher SPF you should wear.

If you’re spending lots of time in the sun, board-certified dermatologistDr. Jeannette Grafrecommends supplementing body lotion with SPF with a dedicated sunscreen. We’vetested dozens of sunscreen products, and we recommend the below for heavy-duty sun protection.

Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Spray Sunscreen

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense, Clear Face, Beach Defense, Sport, and Ultra Sheer Sunscreen.People / Erin Johnson

People / Erin Johnson

Buy on Amazon

The Neutrogena spray sunscreen is our tried-and-true pick for outdoor activities. It has protected our skin through long days at the beach, and the wide mist makes application super easy (that’s why Dr. Graf tells PEOPLE she recommends spray sunscreen for reapplication). It comes in different SPF levels, though we recommend you go with SPF 70 (the higher, the better!).

Naked Sundays Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion

Buy on Target

The Naked Sundays priming lotion is one ofour favorite face sunscreensthanks to its high zinc content. Your face will be ultra-protected against sun damage and dark spots, and the tinted formula won’t leave a white cast.

What to Know About Body Lotions with SPF

Sun Protection

If you aren’t “spending long hours in the sun,” lotions with SPF are a great option, Dr. Graf tells PEOPLE.

“I absolutely favor using a dedicated sunscreen during outdoor activities,” Dr. Khanna says. “If using these for daily activities, lotions tend to be adequate and convenient.”

Dermatologists Say“For daily use, a lotion with SPF may be suitable for sun protection, but if you’re going to be in a high-UV area for a prolonged period or sweating or swimming, I recommend applying a dedicated SPF on top of your lotion with SPF to ensure optimal sun protection.” —Dr. Graf

Dermatologists Say

“For daily use, a lotion with SPF may be suitable for sun protection, but if you’re going to be in a high-UV area for a prolonged period or sweating or swimming, I recommend applying a dedicated SPF on top of your lotion with SPF to ensure optimal sun protection.” —Dr. Graf

Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

All of the body lotions with SPF we tested are chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, where they soak up heat from UV radiation, stopping sun damage from within the body. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreen are oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone.

Reapplication

SPF only works when frequently reapplied. Dr. King recommends you reapply every two hours, while Dr. Graf recommends reapplying hourly. Both dermatologists agree that you should reapply after swimming and sweating. That means that simply applying body lotion with SPF in the morning won’t be sufficient for extensive time outside.

We tested several body lotions with SPF over the course of four weeks. Our testers used these lotions in the real world, as part of their everyday routines and before longer sun exposure. They evaluated each lotion on the following criteria:

Genevieve Cepedais a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE and a fervent believer in the importance of daily sunscreen use. She has tested numerous skincare products and analyzed testing results for dozens of sunscreens. For this story, she combed through insights from our testers and interviewed dermatologists Dr. Hadley King, Dr. Jeannette Graf, and Dr. Trisha Khanna about the efficacy of body lotions with SPF.

Our Expert PanelDr. Hadley Kingis a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She is also an instructor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.Dr. Jeannette Grafis aboard-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.Dr. Trisha Khannais a board-certified dermatologist based in Florida.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Hadley Kingis a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She is also an instructor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.Dr. Jeannette Grafis aboard-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.Dr. Trisha Khannais a board-certified dermatologist based in Florida.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com